Epilepsy Surgery

This authoritative volume offers a distinctive emphasis on the evaluation and surgical management of patients with medically refractory epilepsy, focusing on surgical anatomy and operative approaches. Drawing on the experience of leading experts, including epilepsy neurosurgeons, epileptologists and other specialists, this detailed volume guides readers through every stage of the pre-surgical pathway, from preoperative workup and advanced imaging to neuropsychological assessment, indications for invasive monitoring, and patient selection. Comprehensive coverage of specialized topics—including MR imaging, PET, SPECT, MEG, stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), pediatric considerations, and perioperative anesthesia requirements—equips clinicians with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in complex cases, and provides a framework for translating clinical information into an effective surgical strategy. At the heart of the guide is an extensive presentation of the surgical anatomy and operative techniques of epilepsy surgery, encompassing traditional and emerging surgical interventions. Dedicated region-specific chapters address temporal, frontal, insular, central, parietal, occipital, and cingulate region epilepsy, with detailed discussion of anatomical landmarks, open resective strategies and techniques, and functional considerations. Additional chapters address focal cortical dysplasia and epileptogenic tumors, hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy, and other complex procedures. Intraoperative navigation, electrocorticography, awake craniotomy, functional mapping, and other surgical adjuncts are integrated throughout, offering practical insights that help optimize safety, technical precision and patient outcomes. High-quality intraoperative photographs and detailed anatomical illustrations, including operative videos, provide a visual and practical understanding of procedures that are often difficult to learn from conventional neurosurgical texts. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of epilepsy surgery, the guide also provides comprehensive coverage of minimally invasive and neuromodulatory approaches, including laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These approaches are presented within the broader context of surgical decision-making, emphasizing how modern technologies complement—and in select cases transform—traditional resective strategies. The volume concludes with thoughtful discussions of surgical outcomes, ethics, quality of life, complications, reoperations, and neuropathology, providing a holistic view of epilepsy surgery in modern practice. By combining foundational principles with detailed operative anatomy and contemporary techniques, Epilepsy Surgery: A Comprehensive Operative Guide serves as an essential resource for trainees (students, residents, fellows), practicing neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, and other members of the multidisciplinary epilepsy team.